Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says the comprehensive victory over Southampton should not mask a less than ideal performance.
The Blues ended up cantering to a 4-1 win at St Mary’s but looked defensively shaky at times, conceding a sloppy goal and surrendering possession deep in their own half on several occasions.
“It ended up being comfortable and could have a scored a couple more goals,” Lampard said at his post-match press conference.
“But we switched off from a throw-in [for the Southampton goal] which we talked about. And then we offered them chance at the end of the first half which would have made half-time much more nervy.
“You can’t afford to give little moments and they are little pointers for everyone that we are not there. We are nowhere near the finished article. The benchmark is Liverpool and Manchester City.”
Chelsea’s fourth league win from eight – and third consecutive away success – sees Lampard’s side move up to fifth in the table.
But the club’s all-time leading goalscorer says winning should not “gloss over” the shortcomings heading into the international break.
“When you see little things that are a little bit negative that means you have standards,” Lampard added.
“And the players should feel that – and we remind them of that.”